Happy 2019! It's a new year, and that means it's time to try at least one or two new things with your horse over the next twelve months. With twelve months in the year, think of how cool it would be to say you learned twelve new things—or that you did twelve new and fun things with your horse this year!

Here is a list of ideas. I bet you can come up with a more of your own. 

1. Try a new discipline

2. Ride as many different horses as possible

3. Learn to braid your horse's mane and tail

4. Learn a different way to braid your horse's mane and tail

5. Learn to take your horses vital signs, document what is normal for him

6. Practice taking vital signs on your friend's horses

7. Perfect your leg wrapping technique

8. Build a people first aid kit

9. Build a horse first aid kit

10. Build two separate horse and people first aid kits for the trailer

11. Teach your horse a trick

12. Try clicker training

13. Plan a musical ride with a friend

14. Build a trail obstacle course and master it

15. Start a riding journal and record every ride

16. At the end of the year, count how many times you rode your horse

17. Have a horse treat making contest with your friends

18. Experiment and see if you can figure out what your horses favorite color is

19. Experiment and see if you can figure out what your horses favorite type of music is

20. Have a horsey costume contest

21. Organize a fun show with mounted games for the people at your farm

22. Plan a trail ride somewhere cool, get sponsors and donate the money to a charity of your choice

23. Go to a high-level horse show or event

24. Go to the racetrack and place $2 bets all day

25. Have a horse painting contest in the summer

26. Find a place with a river and take your horse swimming

27. Organize a mounted scavenger hunt for you and your friends

28. Pick a day and have a birthday party for all the horses at the farm

29. Give someone who has never been close to a horse a positive first horse experience

30. Ride in a parade

These are just a few ideas. There is so much out there that you can do with your horse. Serious things, fun things, silly things, educational things, the list goes on... Just give them a try and don't take yourself too seriously.

And remember, anytime spent with your horse is time well spent!